A5 Gets Nod from Automobile Mag

Nov. 28 - Audi accepted Automobile Magazine's 2009 Design of the Year Award for the Audi A5, solidifying its position at the leading edge of automotive styling.

The recognition for the A5 marks the second consecutive year that Audi has earned the top design award from one of North America's leading automotive publications. The Audi R8 sports car won the magazine's Design of the Year and Car of the Year awards for 2008.

Editors praised the restraint, elegance and the "perfect execution" of the Audi coupe's design. Seeing the overall design quality of the A5 on the road cinched the decision for Automobile's editors. "Audi," the magazine noted, "has indeed created a beautiful car."

Automotive design often succeeds best when all of a car's elements fit with seamless proportions and careful attention to details. This was the case with the A5, the first coupe offered by Audi in the U.S. in nearly a generation.

October sales of the coupe in the U.S. set a record for the third consecutive month. The A5, which first arrived in U.S. showrooms late last year, comes with the powerful and highly efficient 3.2-liter FSI engine. It produces 265 hp and has a 0-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds.

Lotus Design Calendar 2009

Nov. 27 - The latest Lotus Design limited edition calendar is now available and hints at a design language of the future.

This year Lotus Design delivers another of its highly acclaimed limited edition calendars with 15 pages of development sketches, scale model photographs and digital visualisations from the Design teams’ most recent projects.

Not only is the calendar brimming with exclusive images and renderings of the brand new Lotus Evora, the publication also gives some insight into Lotus Designs’ consultancy and merchandising projects including the Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary car.

The high quality, large format calendar (42cm x 42cm) is designed so that the individual pages can be removed and framed and a limited print run ensures that this 2009 calendar is a rare and collectable item and perfect Christmas gift.

The calendar can be ordered online through http://www.lotuscarswebstore.co.uk/ at a cost of 8,5 euros each.

Accent Retains Crown as America's Least Expensive Car

Nov. 26 - According to manufacturer, the high-mileage 2009 Hyundai Accent has a starting price of $9,970, making it the least expensive new car on the market. But it's also the "Most Dependable Sub-Compact Car" available (as determined by the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study) and one of the most fuel efficient vehicles on the road today -- a trifecta that no other car can match.

At the Los Angeles Auto Show, Hyundai announced even more good news for the Accent, revealing that next year a special high-mileage "Blue" edition will be available that offers even higher levels of fuel economy without adding to the price. Accent "Blue" will feature fuel-efficient modifications to reduce engine friction and rolling resistance, enhance aerodynamics, optimize gearing and revise engine calibrations for maximum efficiency.

Pricing for all other Accent models remains unchanged, delivering outstanding value throughout the lineup.

Hyundai Accent received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among sub-compact cars in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Vehicle Dependability Study(SM). Study based on responses from over 52,000 original owners of 2005 model-year vehicles, measuring more than 250 models. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of owners surveyed in January to April 2008.

Crash Safety Continues to Improve

Nov. 25 - A total of 72 vehicles received the Insurance Institute for Highway safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award for 2009. This is more than double the number of 2008 recipients and more than 3 times the number of 2007 winners. Top Safety Pick recognizes vehicles that do the best job of protecting people in front, side, and rear crashes based on good ratings in Institute tests.

For the first time ever, winners represent every class of vehicle the Institute tests except microcars. Most car, minivan, and SUV models, midsize convertibles, and small and large pickups are eligible. Ford and its subsidiary Volvo have 16 winners, including the Ford F-150 large pickup.

Honda, Acura, and Subaru, which picked up 4 awards, are notable for 2009 because they have at least one Top Safety Pick in every vehicle class in which they compete.

Chrysler is the only major automaker lacking a single Top Safety Pick. It could have picked up 5 awards if the head restraints were better in the Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, the Sebring convertible, and the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country.

A 2008 analysis of insurance claims found that drivers of vehicles with seat/head restraint combinations rated good in Institute evaluations were 15 percent less likely to sustain neck injuries in rear-end crashes.

Porsche Releases Panamera Pix

Nov. 24 - Porsche has released the first official photos of the new Panamera. The unique four-seater was conceived and designed as a four-door grand touring sports car, combining numerous talents in typical Porsche style: sporting driving dynamics, a spacious interior, and the supreme comfort of a Gran Turismo. Joining the 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars as well as the Cayenne SUV, the Panamera is Porsche's fourth model series.

The Panamera designers have succeeded in positioning it as a brand-new and truly different model while retaining the looks of a typical Porsche. Through its proportions, the Panamera stands out in its market segment: measuring 76 inches wide and 55.8 inches in height, it is wider and lower than comparable four-door models.

The unmistakable GT silhouette is created by the car's overall length of 195.7 inches and short, sporting overhangs. In its styling and details, the Panamera follows the design philosophy refined over decades on the 911 and successfully implemented on the Boxster, Cayman and Cayenne.

The top version of the Panamera comes with even more sophisticated all-wheel drive, available on other models as an option. Porsche also is preparing a fuel-efficient version of the Panamera with hybrid drive.

Consumer Reports' Fear of Success

Nov. 21 - After years of bashing North American automotive products and pointing consumers to imported vehicles, it seems that Consumer Reports finally understands the consequences of their distinctive bias. The company released the following statement today.

"Consumer Reports has concerns about letting domestic automakers fail," the magazine's publisher, Consumers Union, said in a written statement. "The loss of any major auto manufacturer would leave consumers with fewer choices and the industry with less competition and innovation, particularly at a transitional time when the industry is pursuing alternative energy technology. Moreover, the impact of losing a domestic automaker on the U.S. economy and jobs could be severe."

Well, duh! The volume of commentary over a monetary package that is 28 times less than the one earmarked for the financial sector is simply astounding. The current economic woes came from Wall Street, not Michigan Avenue. It remains a mystery why some people and organizations cannot prioritize their doggerel to reflect reality.

At least, CR appears to have acknowledged that things may have gone a little too far. Far too late, though.

AMG Expands Worldwide

Nov. 20 - AMG, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars, is establishing 175 new AMG Performance Centers worldwide by the
end of next year. A commitment to first-class service quality at every stage in the customer relationship is one of the key elements of the AMG brand promise of “Performance”. This focus on developing an even closer relationship with customers extends to a total of 15 countries.

The redesigned sales showrooms of the AMG Performance Centers are characterized by a consistently applied AMG identity. High quality materials, exclusive furnishings and a palette of colours that is representative of AMG create an exclusive atmosphere. An oversized AMG engine badge serves to remind visitors of the company’s philosophy of "One Man – One Engine": The assembly of each powerful AMG engine by just one engineer.

A series of AMG Performance Roadshows will allow some 200 customers at each of the AMG Performance Centers to experience the world of AMG in more detail. Expert presenters will talk to customers and prospective customers about the history and the fascination of the AMG brand.

High-performance vehicles from the current AMG range will be available for intensive test drives; while a display of exclusive vehicles from the AMG Performance Studio, such as the SL 63 AMG Edition IWC will serve to underline AMG's expertise in the development and design of extraordinary sports cars.

1st-Ever Thunderbird Goes to Auction

Nov. 18 - One of the most significant American sports cars ever built, the first production Ford Thunderbird, will be sold at the 38th Annual Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event in Scottsdale, Ariz., Jan. 11-18, 2009.

The Raven Black 1955 T-Bird was produced by Ford Motor Company on Sept. 9, 1954, and represents the birth of Ford’s sports car program. Penned by Ford designer Frank Hershey, the Thunderbird was a hit among sports car fans across America and became an instant competitor for the Chevrolet Corvette.

The first T-Bird is equipped with a 292 Y-block engine, Fordomatic (automatic) transmission, power steering, power windows and power seats. The creature comforts incorporated into the build gave the debut of the first T-Bird even more sizzle.

Ford’s new star was tested and featured in numerous articles upon its release, including “Testing the Thunderbird” in the Oct. 4, 1954 issue of “Sports Illustrated.” The first Thunderbird has also been displayed at venues across the United States, from Ford’s headquarters in Dearborn, Mich., to the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

The 1955 Thunderbird will be joined by approximately 1,000 collector vehicles and automobilia to be sold at the historic Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction.

EV Performance is Not an Oxymoron

Nov. 17 - At the end of September, Chrysler announced their intent to produce a plug-in electric vehicle for the 2010 model year. With the announcement, the company showed three contenders for production. One of these was a two-seat sports car, simply named the Dodge EV.

Powered by a 268 horsepower electric motor, the car is also capable of generating 480 lb-ft of torque instantly. That level of torque output can accelerate the Dodge EV to 60 mph in less than five seconds, with quarter-mile times of 13 seconds.

Last Friday, Chrysler, in conjunction with the Los Angeles Times, put on a little show at the Rose Bowl Stadium, where they pitted the Dodge EV against a HEMI Challenger SRT-8 in a couple of inpromptu drag runs. By comparison, the SRT-8 is rated for 425 horsepower and 420 ft-lb of torque.

While we don't know the weight of the Dodge EV, the Challenger is a little over 4000 pounds and in every run, the little EV blew the doors off its competition, and by several car lengths. The reason for this is how electric motors develop torque, delivering it instantaneously rather than as a function of engine speed.

It may take some changing of perceptions, but there could be some interesting times ahead for those that embrace "green performance."

Pimp My EV

Nov. 15 - The Essen Motor Show in Germany showcases the country's efforts in vehicle modifications for a market that is hungry for distinction. The first of its kind may have shown up here in the form of a Tesla Roadster, tricked out by Brabus. Founded in 1977, the elite Mercedes tuner always finds a way to keep to the forefront of the performance market.

In this case, the tuner was unable to modify the electric drivetrain (a problem that many classic tuners will soon face), so they applied their expertise and vision to other areas. A staggered setup of 18x7" wheels up front and 19x8.5" wheels in back, all four wrapped in Pirelli tires, delivers a more aggressive look than the factory kit. Carbon fiber accents and the matte white paint job give the exterior a striking appearance.

An idea that we've advocated for some time now has finaly been realized in the Brabus Tesla. To combat the silence of EV's, a sound generator has been installed, that emits the engine note of a V8 race car or more futuristic sounds. The pitch and volume of the sound is related to the power output of the motor, so it sounds rather realistic.

Many mechanics at leading tuner shops may soon be turning in their wrenches for multimeters and oscilloscopes. Here is a shop that is taking early, but certain steps in that direction.

SL 65 AMG Black Series is Tops

Nov. 14 - Now 210 lbs lighter than the SL 65 AMG and equipped with the AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, the new two-seater from AMG-Mercedes can reach a speed of 60 mph from a standing start in just 3.6 seconds. The top speed is an electronically-limited 199 mph.

The AMG 6.0-l V12 biturbo engine, developing a maximum output of 661 hp at 5,400 rpm, and an electronically-limited maximum torque of 738 lb-ft between 2,200 and 2,400 rpm, assures the dynamic performance of a super sports car. Without limits, the V12 biturbo engine would develop a maximum torque of 885 lb-ft.

In appearance, the SL 65 AMG Black Series is reminiscent of the successful AMG racing cars, such as the DTM C-Class. The distinctive wide wheel arches fenders, extendable spoiler and rear apron with diffuser fins are a direct transfer from the motor sports world. Compared with the production SL 65 AMG, the Black Series has 4.5" more track width on the front axle, and 4" more on the rear axle.

The selected wheel/tire combination is responsible for ensuring the best possible performance of the SL 65 AMG Black Series on the race circuit: on the front axle, 265/35 R 19 tires are fitted onto 9.5” AMG light alloy wheels. On the rear axle, the impressive format is AMG 11.5 x 20 light alloy wheels with 325/30 R 20 tyres. The Sport Maxx GT tyres are supplied by DTM Motor Sports partner Dunlop; they provide especially good grip and amazing cornering speeds.

New, Easy Clean Wheels Debut

Nov. 12 - Wheel manufacturer Alcoa has developed a product that makes dirt-engrained wheels a thing of the past. With Dura-Bright technology, it is easy to remove dirt and brake dust with minimal cleaning. Using only water for cleaning, the technology offers a polished finish that will neither chip, fade or yellow like traditional alloy wheel finishes. Penetrating the wheel itself, the unique Dura-Bright technology will not crack, peel nor corrode ensuring that the wheel stays looking good for many years.

The metal treatment technology, proven to last in the tough truck market, will also make life easier for consumers when they come to sell their car. "Black specks and yellowing can ruin the appearance of a car, making it harder to get the best price when selling," explains Mike Parnell, Vice President and General Manager – Alcoa Auto Wheels.

Alcoa forged aluminium wheels provide increased strength and durability gains and are typically twice as strong as a comparable cast aluminium wheel in crush tests. A forged wheel also reduces un-sprung weight on a car, maximizing vehicle performance, including more responsive steering and braking performance, while reducing weight compared to a similar cast aluminium wheel by over 20 percent.

The first european application will be available this winter on the new Audi A6.

Headlight LED Development Continues

Nov. 11 - According to the company, the new OSTAR Headlamp LED from OSRAM Opto Semiconductors will simplify automotive headlamp optical systems by emitting a highly efficientand clearly defined light beam without the need for external shutters that are common in current designs.

The high-powered LED is available in one-, two-, three-, four-, or five-chip arrays, providing the flexibility to create different illumination patterns for virtually any headlamp design. A glass cover, bonded to the frame, protects the chips and helps prevent scatter losses.

With a street legal color temperature of 6,000 Kelvin, OSTAR headlamp LEDs emit light nearly identical to natural daylight, increasing night driving safety by reducing driver fatigue. Additionally individual components allow headlamp designers to more precisely place and aim high and low beams to reduce glare for oncoming traffic.

"Compared with classic HID systems, that provide about 35 to 45 percent of useable light on the road, the OSTAR LED provides about 10 percent more useable light," said Knittl. "The OSTAR Headlamp also delivers a lifespan of 10,000 to 20,000 hours. In fact, our LEDs not only outperform conventional solutions but generally last longer than the life of the vehicle."

Fisker Opens in Detroit

Nov. 10 - Fisker Automotive, Inc., a green American premium car company, has announced the opening of a new Engineering and Development Center in Pontiac, Michigan. The 34,000 square foot facility will house up to 200 engineers and designers, who will support the development and production program of Fisker Automotive's first production car, the Fisker Karma.

While other automotive companies and suppliers are closing their doors, the hybrid vehicle developer is planning for success. "The available talent, supplier base and infrastructure in Michigan will help us reach our production goal," said Fisker Automotive COO Bernhard Koehler. "While Fisker Automotive will continue to be headquartered in Irvine, CA, the new facility will allow us the opportunity to collaborate with our Michigan supplier base and have everyone under one roof."

The opening of the facility comes on the heels of Fisker Automotive's recent announcement that it prevailed in a lawsuit brought against the company by Tesla Motors Inc. With 50 miles of electric range and more than 350 miles of total range, the Fisker Karma will have the potential for a fuel economy of over 100 miles per gallon (MPG) on extended drives. Boasting a top speed of 125mph and 0-60 acceleration in less than 6 seconds, the Fisker Karma is poised to be the world's first true luxury plug-in hybrid sports car.

Watch for an in-depth review of the Fisker Karma concept in the December issue of UberDrive Magazine. It is both a fascinating and daring vehicle.

USA Chases Land Speed Record

Nov. 8 - There's a healthy rivalry brewing between the U.S. and U.K. over the world land speed racing record. The Brits took if from the U.S. in 1997, and now the U.S. wants it back. Today the record stands at just over 763mph, captured by the British on October 15th 1997 with the ThrustSSC jet powered car.

Now, an American/Canadian team in Washington State has a 50,000hp converted F-104 jet car ready to travel over 800 mph to bring the record back to the U.S. Interest in the sport of World Land Speed Racing has recently been sparked with the announcement that current record holder, Andy Green, was teaming up with Richard Noble, the previous record-holder, to have
another go at the record.

In an interview with the Seattle Weekly earlier this year Green stated: "I am a big supporter of the current and planned attempts on the World Land Speed Record -- 11 years is more than long enough for it to stand and it's high time that someone got out there and broke it again -- preferably several times."

The only thing stopping a hale and hearty U.S. and U.K. rivalry is lack of sponsorship money to fund the effort. "World Land Speed Record Racing is an expensive sport," stated Douglas Schwartz, Media Director for the team. "The North American Eagle has the power and the aerodynamics to break the record in 2009.